Home Tour: Southern Charm, Redefined
Today we invite you on a tour of one of our most impressive home transformations to date, where Southern tradition intertwines with the dynamic personalities of the people who live there.
This recently redesigned home is located just outside of Richmond, Virginia. The homeowner wanted a major refresh while respecting the home’s traditional Southern architectural roots.
After a significant life shift, homeowner Kip Glass enlisted the expertise of designer Diana Vicenti to redesign and rejuvenate his home. According to Diana, the guiding principle of this immense project was to craft a warm, relaxing and inviting environment that authentically mirrored Kip's character and passions, notably his love for riding horses and the raising and roping of longhorn steer, all while preserving the cherished Southern traditional architecture of the home.
Achieving this transformation required a comprehensive approach, involving the meticulous selection of new paint colors for both the interior and exterior, strategic spatial planning, skillful curation of furniture and fabrics, and thoughtful accessorizing and styling in every room for a polished look. In addition to utilizing u-fab’s reputable lineup of furniture and decor manufacturers, Diana extended her creative reach to local antique shops and artists, commissioning multiple custom pieces to infuse the space with a distinctive level of personalization. The end result? A completely revitalized home that reflects the renewed spirit of the family who lives there while honoring the home’s Southern roots.
Join us as we take a peek at some of our favorite rooms from this transformed Ashland ranch, capturing the very essence of Kip and his family’s lifelong devotion to equestrian pursuits and their love for ranching.
The Entryway
The entryway sets the stage as it welcomes visitors into the home. Painted in a soothing neutral green, it strikes a balance between old and new, seamlessly blending antique pieces that pay homage to the Southern tradition of the home with contemporary elements. The focal point of this space is an extraordinary custom light fixture, personally commissioned by Diana and brought to life by local artist Wendy Umanoff. Constructed with a rustic fusion of wood, metal, and leather, the fixture mimics the form of stirrups, beautifully echoing Kip's passion for horseback riding. A true marvel in both design and functionality, this fixture serves as a captivating statement piece. Stephen Salpukas's photography, capturing Kip and his horses, also graces the entryway, adding a personal touch that resonates with the homeowner's equestrian spirit.
The Great Room
As the heartbeat of the home, the Great Room was designed to cultivate a laid-back atmosphere for gatherings with family and friends or for relaxing solo. A thoughtful blend of fresh upholstery and found pieces in a mix of textiles infuses the space with character and gives it a comfortable, well lived-in feel. Custom drapes in a subtle plaid gracefully soften the room, while the overall ambiance strikes a balance between masculine and comfortable. This is evident in the mix of materials—wood, leather, and durable fabrics—and the cool color palette chosen. Dark blue hues adorn the built-in bookshelves, creating a striking contrast that highlights Kip’s cherished possessions. The introduction of live greenery breathes life into the room, complemented by the natural touch of a deer antler chandelier, rounding out the Great Room as a harmonious blend of timeless style and comfort.
The Dining Room
Continuing the overarching theme of the home, the dining room unfolds with a welcoming blend of leather and natural materials. The custom hide-on leather dining chairs take center stage, making a bold statement that captures the eye while providing a deep connection to ranch life. Infused with a sense of history, the room is filled with antique heirlooms, each piece connecting the space to its rich past. Once more, the custom drapes introduce an element of softness and warmth, weaving seamlessly into the dining room's narrative of timeless elegance and charm.
The Den
Tucked just outside of the entryway and the Great Room, the den emanates coziness and warmth, creating an ideal spot for socializing with a cocktail or indulging in a good book. The built-in shelves were thoughtfully painted to seamlessly blend with the walls, establishing a continuous ambiance. The introduction of leather upholstery adds a masculine touch to the space, subtly balanced by the custom drapery.
Bedroom 1
Kip’s teenage daughter's bedroom features a vibrant fusion of youthful energy and refined design. An antique bed, embellished with custom pillows, acts as a charming centerpiece. A Pendleton wool blanket skillfully incorporates hues from other details in the room, creating a delightful palette of pink, blue, and yellow that echoes throughout the space. Feminine touches, carefully curated to avoid a juvenile feel, include neutral stripes in the drapery fabric and a tufted sofa in a buttery yellow velvet. Thoughtful additions, such as framed artwork and floral accents, contribute to the room's aesthetic appeal. Most noteworthy among them is the custom wall art crafted from horseshoes—an artistic touch by Diana herself, paying homage to the family's deep connection with horses.
Bedroom 2
Immersed in a calming soft blue and gray color palette, the guest bedroom is a tranquil refuge. The bed is accented with custom pillows in a diverse mix of fabrics and hide-on leather and an original painting by Judith Anderson. The custom drapes and shower curtain in the adjoining bathroom feature a soft animal print, infusing the room with a subtle natural element. The overall ambiance is one of serenity and comfort, creating a relaxing space for visitors.
Truly Personalized Details
A distinctive hallmark of Diana's full-scale approach to interior design lies in her commitment to infusing each space with personalized details to achieve an authentic look and feel. This woodwork horse head bust, intricately crafted by dear friend Chris Chase of Chris Chase Studio, serves as both a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and a cherished symbol of the homeowner's profound connection to the equestrian world. This personalized approach fosters a warm and authentic atmosphere that goes beyond aesthetics.
The exterior of this Ashland home was painted in a rich deep green, harmonizing with the lush surroundings. The choice not only complements the verdant landscape but also creates a striking contrast against the home’s timeless columns, encapsulating the essence of Southern charm with a touch of modernity.
The Exterior
The home’s exterior underwent a transformation as well, with new paint carefully selected to harmonize with the classic Southern architecture. Diana opted for a rich deep green, seamlessly blending with the natural surroundings while creating a striking contrast against the stately columns. The addition of rocking chairs gracefully establishes the ambiance, setting the stage for a home that exudes warmth, invitation and Southern charm.
The Patio
Outfitted with neutral furniture, the patio becomes a welcoming setting for outdoor gatherings, offering plenty of comfortable seating. The mix of neutral and printed fabrics on the custom pillows establishes a subtle focal point, while seamlessly preserving the stunning landscape view and allowing the natural beauty of the outdoor space to shine.
Throughout this captivating home tour, we've witnessed the seamless fusion of Southern tradition, the vibrant spirit of homeowner Kip Glass, and the transformative touch of Diana's full-scale interior design services. Each room, from the inviting entryway to the cozy patio, tells a story of expert planning, thoughtful selection, and a commitment to creating a space that not only honors the home’s Southern architectural roots but also reflects Kip's personality. The result is a home that stands as a testament to the power of design in capturing the spirit of its owner, providing a warm, inviting, and deeply personal refuge.
This is exactly what we mean when we say that your home should tell your story.
Sources:
Fabric: Fabricut
Leather: Moore & Giles
Furniture: Wesley Hall, Lee Industries, Gat Creek
Custom Pillows and Window Treatments: u-fab interiors
Reupholstery: u-fab interiors
Rugs: u-fab interiors
Additional vintage, antique and consignment pieces sourced by: Diana Vicenti
Interior/Exterior Painting: Carlysle Vicenti
Special thanks to Umanoff Design, Chris Chase, Stephen Salpukas, Judith Anderson and Carlysle Vicenti for their artistic contributions to this home makeover.
Photos by Cristin Morgan
